the tips of his fingers he gently raised her chin. ‘Tell me now, before your maid returns. Will you allow me to kiss you?’
Oh, how she longed to know what his kisses would feel like. Losing her ability to speak, Katrina simply nodded her head. His lips curved into a slow smile as he traced her lower lip with his thumb. Then he lowered his head and kissed her softly.
The simple touch of his lips against hers left Katrina wanting more.
* * *
Julian knew from the moment he stroked Katrina’s tempting lower lip that stopping at one kiss would be close to impossible. As it was, it took all his effort not to pull her on top of him after one innocent kiss. Shifting his head, he nipped her mouth until her lips parted. She tasted like sweet tea and something wonderful.
With her hand tentatively resting on his chest, she hesitated a moment before deepening the kiss. This was heaven.
She was kissing him back, gently exploring his mouth. His cravat was growing tight, along with his breeches. He needed to stop, but it was painful to think he had to release her from his arms. Reluctantly, he pulled his head back.
Her eyes were still closed, and her lips held a faint smile. He was about to kiss her again when her lashes fluttered open, revealing eyes that were his favourite shade of blue. Transfixed by the sensuous sight she made, Julian knew at that moment that he never wanted Miss Vandenberg to kiss anyone else.
‘I thought you said just one kiss,’ she uttered breathlessly.
‘Forgive me. I will strive to do better next time,’ he teased.
‘I believe you are much too confident in your charms.’ She smiled as she lowered her hand from his chest and placed it on her lap.
‘Perhaps I am.’ He picked up a loose tendril of her hair and rubbed the silky lock between his fingers before hooking it over her ear. ‘It was a pleasure reading with you.’
‘I enjoyed it thoroughly.’
That smile of hers warmed him even further. ‘How long do you anticipate remaining in London?’
She gave a slight shrug. ‘It is difficult to tell. A few months, I suppose. Hopefully the negotiations between our two countries will progress smoothly.’
The notion of her leaving and his never seeing her again was burning like acid in his gut. Soon he would approach Morley about his daughter. Then his life would be spent devoted to his responsibilities in the company of a woman he was indifferent towards. Deep down he knew he would never feel as happy as he did at this very moment with Miss Vandenberg. He didn’t want the feeling to end. Not now, anyway.
‘I have a proposition for you.’ Even before the words were out of his mouth he couldn’t believe he was actually going to ask her. He needed to spend less time in Hart’s company. ‘Would you consider finishing the book with me?’
‘You mean continue to read it together?’
‘Yes. I realise it is highly irregular. But you were the one to originally suggest it. You once told me you have no intention of marrying an Englishman. And a man in my position must marry a woman from the highest levels of English Society. But you must admit we do enjoy each other’s company. I see no harm in spending some more time together before our lives change course.’
She bit her lip. ‘Even as an American I know it would not be proper. My reputation would be ruined.’
‘I assure you we would see each other in secret. No one would ever know.’ He took her hand in his and placed it over his heart. ‘On my honour, I would not do anything to jeopardise your reputation.’
She leaned towards him and a mischievous sparkle lit her eyes. ‘Then it would be our secret?’
He liked the idea of sharing something only with her. It felt...intimate. ‘Yes. It would be our secret.’
This was an ideal solution to his problem. It would be easier for him to proceed with marrying Lady Mary if thoughts of Miss Vandenberg weren’t floating through his head all the time. He’d wager that familiarity would lead to boredom. The more time he spent with her, the more quickly he would realise she was not that remarkable. It made perfect sense.
There was just one more thing that would make this arrangement perfect. ‘And when we are alone together you can call me Julian.’
She eyed him sideways and he thought she was going to refuse, until another mischievous smile crossed her lips. ‘Very well, Julian. Then you must call me Katrina.’
He knew in his bones that from this moment on she would always be Katrina to him.
Her body appeared to dance with excitement as she shifted in her seat. ‘Do you promise not to tell a soul?’ she asked.
They grinned at each other like two children conspiring to steal all the Christmas treats.
‘I promise. And you? You must also promise not to share this with anyone.’
‘My lips are sealed,’ she said through a smile. ‘Fortunately for you I have a strong desire to know how this story ends.’
Three nights later, Katrina noticed two things about the Whitfields’ impressive entrance hall. The first was that her drawing room could easily fit inside it. The second was that the large black and white marble floor resembled one large chessboard, which was appropriate since the happenings of the ton always appeared to be a strategic game.
She had not seen Julian since he had called on her and proposed their secret pact. It felt like weeks, although she knew it had only been days. He’d said he would call again when he was not busy with his affairs at Westminster. She did not want to interfere with his duties, but if this continued it would take them over a month to finish reading the book.
Sarah tapped her wrist. ‘Do not look to your left,’ she whispered into Katrina’s ear. ‘Lyonsdale is standing by the staircase and has eyed you very intently from your slippers to your hair. You cannot tell me that man does not have an interest in you.’
Katrina’s heartbeat quickened and she had an urge to adjust her hair. Reliving his kiss, she refused look at him, certain she would blush. Surely Sarah would be able to tell they were now more than passing acquaintances.
‘Sarah, you have to stop. Someone might overhear you.’
‘But do you not want to know that his eyes are still on you?’ Sarah looked at Katrina with a wrinkled brow. ‘Why will you not even acknowledge him?’
At this moment she couldn’t acknowledge him. If she did, everyone around her would know they shared a secret. It would be impossible to hide it in her expression.
Katrina was saved from responding by the appearance of Madame de Lieven, who glided up to them on the arm of Mr Armstrong. It was the first time she could recall being happy to see the woman.
‘Miss Vandenberg, Miss Forrester—how lovely to see both of you again. You remember Mr Armstrong?’
Katrina
